First in the World

First in the World

There are certain times of the year, the decade, the century, the millennium… when being at the start of the international date line gives one certain privileges.

It’s an honour that belongs only to a few Pacific Island nations and the far reaches of the Russian continent. New Zealanders like to make a fuss about it.

Most fun of all is to “take the piss” – terrible expression, but again uniquely Kiwi – means to have a jolly good laugh at the harmless expense of others.

Posting a wee satellite shot of the central region of New Zealand (where I live), announcing “WE’RE STILL HERE!” gets an eclectic array of responses to say the least. Here’s a summary of types:

Gets the joke: knows it’s a laugh and adds quirky comment such as “goddam, I’ll have to wrap the Christmas presents after all”, or “thank God, I was worried”.

The Know-it-all: an apparent expert in Mayan time-keeping who offers the “correct” information about what time and time zone the Apocalypse will occur. Can be confused with “Gets the joke” – experience required to tell the difference.

By the Book: provides Bible references of one sort or another.

The Wanker: assumes we’re all stupid, calls people names and uses 4-letter words.

At this point, I haven’t heard from any actual Apocalypticists. (Yes, I made that up – cool, eh.)

Thanks so much to the “Get-the-jokers” – you’re makin’ my day! I wish there were more of you.